Babies want to be extra-glued to their moms when they get 6-8 months old. They seek comfort and reassurance that they are safe in their mother’s arms. However, the attachment to the mother is so intense that it creates a sense of emotional dependence. The baby starts crying whenever the mother is not around. This leads to a clingy baby, who fears separation and is afraid to face strangers or be in a situation alone. How can a mom cope with a clingy baby? Here are some tips to cope with a clingy baby.
Clinginess is natural in babies. It is their way of protecting and keeping themselves safe. In most cases, this goes away with age. However, moms can use a few techniques to help their little ones cope with clinginess and slowly reduce the sense of attachment.
In This Article
- Why is My Baby So Clingy?
- Tips to Help a Clingy Baby
- Tips to Help a Parent Cope With a Clingy Baby
- FAQ’s
Why is My Baby So Clingy?
During this new phase of your baby’s life, they begin to gaze at their surroundings to confirm someone’s presence for their nurturing. It is a stepping stone for them – the thread of attachment ties between the caregiver and the baby. Another reason for your infant’s clinginess has to do with object permanence. Earlier, they would only think that something or someone existed if that was in front of them. But now they’re learning and understanding that something or someone exists even while it’s not around them at that moment.
Tips to Help a Clingy Baby
To help a clingy baby, the caregiver can follow a consistent routine where the baby will be left with a known person and not someone close like the mother. The short interval of separation will help to build a sense of independence in the baby.
1. Give Warm Hugs to Your Baby Before Leaving Them
Do not express any form of emotions like being upset or unhappy while leaving your infant in someone else’s hands. Your little one can catch on to such anxiety. Be happy and hug your little one before you head out. This is a good assurance to them that you will be back soon and this person is safe to be with.
2. Give Them Their Favorite Toys Before Leaving
Most babies have a favorite toy or a lovey which gives them a sense of comfort and stability. Leaving your baby with their favorite toy will help divert them and let them feel safe till you are back. You can also hand over your scarf or something of yours which they can keep with them till you return.
3. Remember, Your Baby Can Accept the Separation
Separation anxiety is a temporary phase and babies grow out of it. In the meantime though, as a mother, you must ensure that you do not show your anxiety or worry as your baby is getting clingy with you. Accept this as a normal behavior and give your little one every opportunity to stay away from you for short periods.
Tips to Help a Parent Deal With a Clingy Baby
Here are the 5 best tips that can be used to deal with a clingy baby.
1. Slow And Steady Separation Wins the Game
Ease your clingy baby into the arms of someone they trust before exposing them to less familiar faces. Practice short separations, ensuring swift reunions to build confidence in them. Slowly introduce them to individuals they know less, promoting a positive association. Reinforce the idea that you will always return by briefly leaving the room and coming back again. These gradual steps help your baby feel secure.
2. Let Them Feel That The Stranger is Safe And Can Take Care of Their Nurturing
Don’t just vanish after leaving your baby in someone else’s hands. You may be aware that the person is good at nurturing and taking care of babies, but your little one doesn’t know it. So, be confident, laugh, and smile with the new person while still being close to your baby. Let them see that they can also trust this person as their mother does.
3. Do The Goodbye Ritual
Your baby will get confused and cry a lot if they suddenly find you disappearing suddenly. A goodbye kiss, hand wave or words like ‘mummy will soon return to you’ are very effective. They will get used to this – ‘goodbye kisses or waves mean mummy is going somewhere. And ‘mummy always comes to me sometime after these waves and kisses’. These rituals will relax them and build confidence contrary to your sudden disappearance.
4. Take it Easy
It is normal to feel guilty at the thought of leaving your little one to someone else’s care. But remember that you are doing this for their good. Your baby may feel uncomfortable for a little while but this exercise will help develop their social skills and ease the stress on both you and your little one on those days where you may have to leave your little one to run errands or resume your work.
5. Be Available And Accessible in The Initial Days
To begin with, let them play at a daycare near your home so they can see and hear you when needed. Getting used to new people may not be easy for your baby and this is normal. If they’re able to see you while playing at a place near your home, they’ll feel a lot safer. And it’s a wonderful way to make super clingy babies comfortable with other people in your absence.
The emotional needs of a clingy baby can be responded to with attentiveness and affection; but with a twist in the tale. As a mother, you can navigate the daily challenges of clinginess with patience and understanding. The foundation of trust is built when your baby knows that you’ll get back to them in some time. As babies explore the world, this clingy phase gradually goes away smoothly.
FAQ’s
1. What Causes Babies to be Clingy?
Babies want to be near their primary caregivers because they see that they’re good at taking care of them. And the separation or being with someone else makes them anxious about not getting their nurturing.
2. Are Breastfed Babies More Clingy to Their Mothers?
Some studies suggest that breastfeeding, instead of bottle-feeding, creates more attachment between the mother and the infant. This is because of the physical interaction during breastfeeding.
3. Am I Spoiling My Baby by Giving Too Much Love and Attention?
No. At this age, babies need lots of love and care to grow and develop their self-esteem. But a bit of separation is needed sometimes and is healthy for them.
Read Also: Do Babies Get Bored – How to Find and Tips to Engage
